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NAR NAR GOON, VICTORIA — Heavy rain, poor visibility and a single pothole on the Princes Freeway left dozens of motorists stranded and dozens of vehicles damaged over two days.
The Nar Nar Goon pothole left at least 28 drivers immediately undriveable after vehicles hit the hazard during heavy rain. Repairs dragged into a second day as mechanics worked through a long list of broken tyres, bent rims and suspension damage.
Witnesses described cars stopping one after another with little time to react. Bronwyn Drumm, who was about 10 minutes from her Pakenham home with her three children, said poor visibility made it impossible to see the danger ahead. “I just kept saying keep your seat belts on,” she told reporters after the incident.
Mechanics in Nar Nar Goon reported a range of damage from flat tyres to bent or cracked rims and faults to suspension components. Local repair shops were stretched as many vehicles arrived needing immediate attention.
Authorities said heavy rain delayed the repair crew’s work but the Department of Transport assured drivers the pothole would be fixed by the end of the day. Until then, motorists faced a risky, improvised “pit lane” on the Princes Freeway where damaged cars pulled over while others tried to navigate around them.
Many affected drivers face significant repair bills. Bronwyn estimated the cost for her car alone could be “anywhere from about three, four grand just for this pothole.” With unexpected bills mounting, several drivers were told they can apply for compensation through the Department of Transport website at transport.vic.gov.au.
What happened in brief
- Location: Princes Freeway near Nar Nar Goon, Victoria.
- When: During heavy rain; repairs continued into a second day.
- Who: At least 28 drivers affected; local mechanics and Department of Transport responded.
- Damage: Flat tyres, bent or cracked rims, suspension component faults.
- Next steps: Department of Transport scheduled repairs and advised drivers about compensation options at transport.vic.gov.au.
Safety reminders for drivers
- Slow down in heavy rain and increase following distance so hazards can be seen and avoided.
- Use headlights in poor visibility and watch for stopped vehicles or debris on the road.
- If you hit a pothole, pull over safely, check for damage and contact emergency or roadside assistance if needed.
FAQ
How many cars were affected by the pothole?
At least 28 drivers were left with vehicles that were immediately undriveable after striking the pothole.
Where did the incident happen?
The incident occurred on the Princes Freeway near Nar Nar Goon in Victoria, about 10 minutes from Pakenham for some travellers.
What types of damage did cars sustain?
Reported damage ranged from flat tyres and bent or cracked rims to issues with suspension components that required workshop repairs.
Will the pothole be repaired and when?
The Department of Transport said heavy rain delayed repairs but assured the pothole would be fixed by the end of the day following the incident.
How can affected drivers seek compensation?
Affected drivers can apply for compensation via the Department of Transport website at transport.vic.gov.au where guidance on claims is available.
The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here At least 28 cars caught out by a problematic pothole in Nar Nar Goon | 7NEWS
